Meaning
Hit the sack — To go to bed; to go to sleep. 'Hit the hay' is a close synonym.
Origin & History
Historically, cheap mattresses were stuffed with straw or placed in burlap sacks. 'Hitting the sack' meant literally throwing yourself onto such a bed. The phrase became common in American English in the early 20th century.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| I'm exhausted — I'm going to hit the sack. | Personal, end of day |
| It's midnight. Time to hit the sack! | Casual suggestion |
| She hit the sack as soon as she got home from the hospital. | After a long shift |
How to Use It
Informal. Use with friends and family. Not appropriate in formal or professional writing.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
I need to hit the sack the bed now.
I need to hit the sack now. — 'The sack' already means bed; don't add 'the bed'.
We hit the sack at 6 AM after the party.
We finally hit the sack at 6 AM after the party. — Grammatically fine; just clarify context if it sounds unusual.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Hit the sack" mean?
"Hit the sack" means go to bed. To go to bed; to go to sleep. 'Hit the hay' is a close synonym.
Where does the idiom "Hit the sack" come from?
Historically, cheap mattresses were stuffed with straw or placed in burlap sacks. 'Hitting the sack' meant literally throwing yourself onto such a bed. The phrase became common in American English in the early 20th century.
Can you give an example of "Hit the sack" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "I'm exhausted — I'm going to hit the sack." — used when personal, end of day.
Is "Hit the sack" formal or informal?
Informal. Use with friends and family. Not appropriate in formal or professional writing.
What CEFR level is "Hit the sack"?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level. It is a intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Hit the sack"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: I need to hit the sack now. — 'The sack' already means bed; don't add 'the bed'.
What idioms are similar to "Hit the sack"?
Similar idioms include: Hit the hay, Turn in, Call it a night. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Hit the sack"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Hit the sack" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Informal. Use with friends and family. Not appropriate in formal or professional writing. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Hit the sack" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Hit the sack" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: go to bed. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.